2004 Pontiac Sunfire: Road Test
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2004 Pontiac Sunfire ▼
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- MSRP: $10,895 -$14,930
- Invoice: $10,078 -$13,810
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Our road test for the 2004 Pontiac Sunfire includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Pontiac Sunfire from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Pontiac Sunfire, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Pontiac Sunfire help you decide if a 2004 Pontiac Sunfire is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base w/1SB, auto. | Base w/1SC, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 4 |
The 140-hp twincam engine is adequate for most situations. Automatic transmission is smooth and prompt, but manual-shift action is balky.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base w/1SB, auto. | Base w/1SC, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6.6 |
Not impressive for an economy car. Recent test cars with automatic transmission averaged 19.7 mpg in town, 24.2 in mostly highway driving. Pontiac recommends regular fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base w/1SB, auto. | Base w/1SC, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 4.4 |
Average for the class with the standard suspension, though most bumps and ruts induce thumping. Ride turns stiff and becomes jiggly with 1SC's 16-inch performance tires and sport suspension.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base w/1SB, auto. | Base w/1SC, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 5.3 |
Base models corner with adequate grip, moderate body lean. Bigger wheels and tires plus sport suspension mean less lean, greater grip, more-agile feel for 1SC. Braking class-competitive with ABS.
QUIETNESS
| Base w/1SB, auto. | Base w/1SC, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4 |
Sunfire's engine is class competitive in terms of noise and refinement. Wind and road noise evident on highway, but no more than in most subcompacts. The 16-inch tires create more tire thrum.
CONTROLS
| Base w/1SB, auto. | Base w/1SC, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5.6 |
Cabin materials look low-buck even for this price level. Climate controls remain low set, and hard to see and reach. Fit and finish of materials is poor.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base w/1SB, auto. | Base w/1SC, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 5.1 |
As roomy as most competitive coupes. Low-set bucket seats help achieve sufficient head room, but complicate entry/exit. And seat padding feels skimpy.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base w/1SB, auto. | Base w/1SC, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 3.9 |
Adequate for two kids, perhaps three if they're toddlers, but cramped for adults, and seat comfort subpar for anyone. Typically awkward coupe entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| Base w/1SB, auto. | Base w/1SC, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.9 |
Trunk aperture won't swallow large objects, but compartment itself has reasonable room. New split folding rear seat improves cargo-hauling versatility, but can't be locked to isolate trunk. Small-items storage good but not great.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base w/1SB, auto. | Base w/1SC, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 5.6 |
Sunfire emphasizes "expressive" styling and features per dollar, but lacks the space efficiency, refinement, and workmanship of most rivals, especially the latest Honda Civics and Toyota. Cavalier suffers similarly, but at least Chevy still offers the sedan body style most small-car buyers prefer.
Total Score
| Base w/1SB, auto. | Base w/1SC, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 36 | 37 | 48.4 |
Total Score: 37
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